Assessment of high speed train noise as a concept of soundscape

Abstract

In the present study, high speed train noises in rural areas were assessed using auditory experiments. A total of 10 sites were chosen, covering different compositions of landscape metrics, and audio-visual recordings were carried out at selected sites. Acoustical characteristics of train noises were analyzed in terms of percentile level, Zwicker's loudness and rise time. In addition, landscapes of 10 sites were analyzed using several landscape metrics such as percentage of natural features and SDI (Shannon's Diversity Index). Laboratory experiments were performed to investigate the perception of rural soundscape that high speed trains pass by. Experiments consisted of three parts: audio-only, visual-only and audio-visual conditions. As a result, the contributions of the landscape to rural soundscape perception were derived.